Carriers

Back on January 26th we reported a story where unlocking smartphones has now become illegal. Not rooting, jailbreaking, or things of that nature, but unlocking a device to be used on different carriers. This exception to the DMCA was what made this legal, and that ended back on the 26th of January. For those looking to do something about it, read on below before time runs out.

In just under 3 weeks we'll finally be seeing the new and improved smartphone plan from HTC. We're of course talking about the often leaked HTC M7 smartphone to replace their popular One series. Earlier this week HTC confirmed they'll be holding a press event February 19th to announce a new device, and most likely that will be their new M7 flagship. Now some new reports and rumors are claiming to have plenty of details pertaining to their launch plans.

Lately we've heard a few reports that Google and Dish were in talks to launch their own Google wireless service, something that would be amazing. Today however it looks like Google's been looking into offering their own phone services before, but those plans have all since been axed and canceled. Below are a few comments from Google's own VP Milo Medin, who was speaking on the matter.

How do you feel about manufacturers putting their own interfaces on top of vanilla Android? We know it isn't a very popular idea, but Google Ventures' Rich Miner is wondering why carriers don't do the same thing. He said as much at the Open Mobile Summit, with Fierce Mobile reporting that he expressed surprise at the fact that carriers don't take advantage of Android's open platform to make their phones stand out from the crowd.

The worst of Hurricane Sandy is over, but the recovery effort is just getting started. There are missing people find, houses to rebuild, and services to restore. None of this is going to be easy either, so Verizon is helping out the recovery effort by doing a number of different things. For instance, the company has opened up Wireless Emergency Communication Centers on Staten Island, at Monmouth University in New Jersey, and in two locations at Toms River in New Jersey.

It isn't often we get the chance to write about carriers doing truly amazing things, but today is an exception to that. AT&T and T-Mobile have announced that they will be opening up their networks for customers of both carriers in New York and New Jersey, two areas that have been hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. Since both companies use GSM and UTSM networks, it means that users will be able to switch between the two networks with no problem.

If you live in or around Kansas City, Missouri and you happen to be a T-Mobile customer, you might be experiencing better 4G speeds today. That's because T-Mobile has improved its 4G offerings at many "popular locations" around the city, specifically mentioning that 4G speeds are now available in "Arrowhead Stadium, Westport, Power and Light Districts, The Legends and in surrounding areas including Jackson, Johnson and Wyandotte counties" in its announcement. T-Mobile customers are getting better voice and data coverage with this roll out, and the company says that you can expect faster data speeds if you're using an unlocked device.

FreedomPop, the wireless data service that promises free 4G access, launched in a "public beta" of sorts today. FreedomPop users can access Clearwire Corporation's 4G WiMAX networks free of monthly charges and contracts, but there a couple of catches. First, the service isn't free right off the bat, as you'll need to buy either a USB router for $49 or a mobile hotspot for $89 from FreedomPop. Once you've purchased your peripheral of choice and are prepared to connect to the Internet, you'll be ready to take advantage of the free 500MB of data per month that FreedomPop has on offer.

Great news folks! We know many of you have been hoping that the newly announced Samsung Galaxy Note II phablet would be available from your carrier, and today we have all the details. Just like the Galaxy S III, the Galaxy Note II will be launching on all major US carriers. That means Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, US Cellular, and the Now Network will all offer the 5.5-inch Jelly Bean powered smartphone.